Football fans, brace yourselves—the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 kicks off with a tantalizing clash as AZ Alkmaar host Tottenham Hotspur (Spurs) on Thursday, March 6, 2025! This first-leg showdown at the AFAS Stadion pits Dutch flair against Premier League grit, with both teams vying for a crucial edge in this two-legged tie. Whether you’re an AZ die-hard, a Spurs faithful, or just here for the European drama, this AZ vs Spurs preview has it all—team news, key stats, players to watch, kickoff details, and our bold predictions. Let’s dive into this Europa League thriller!
Match Preview: A Dutch Delight Meets English Determination
AZ Alkmaar vs Tottenham Hotspur is shaping up to be a cracker. AZ, riding high after topping their Europa League group with five wins in eight games, are no strangers to upsetting big names—they beat Spurs 1-0 in the league phase back in October at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Under Maarten Martens, AZ’s blend of youthful energy and tactical discipline has them dreaming of a deep European run. But here comes Spurs, a team desperate to end their 17-year trophy drought. Ange Postecoglou’s men finished second in their group and are coming off a morale-boosting 3-0 Premier League win over Ipswich. Can AZ stun Spurs again, or will Tottenham turn the tables in Alkmaar? This one’s too close to call!
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| Photo by ProShots/Icon Sport via Getty Images |
Team News: Who’s In, Who’s Out?
AZ Alkmaar: The Dutch side is in decent shape, though they’ll sweat on the fitness of striker Troy Parrott—ironically a former Spurs loanee—who’s doubtful with a hamstring tweak after scoring against Heerenveen. Long-term absentees Ibrahim Sadiq (knee) and Wesley Teixeira (calf) remain sidelined, but captain Jordy Clasie is back from suspension to anchor the midfield. Ernest Poku and Mexx Meerdink are pushing for starts after impressing off the bench in AZ’s latest Eredivisie win.
Tottenham Hotspur: Ange Postecoglou has some welcome boosts—Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and Dominic Solanke are in line to return after missing recent games, per posts on X. However, Rodrigo Bentancur is suspended after a red card against Porto, and Richarlison remains a doubt with a thigh issue. Youngsters like Archie Gray and Wilson Odobert could see action, with Postecoglou likely to lean on James Maddison’s creativity and Brennan Johnson’s pace.
Key Facts: The Stats That Tell the Story
Head-to-Head: AZ hold a 1-0 edge from their October win over Spurs, their only previous meeting this season. Historically, AZ have won two of four home games against English sides in Europe.
AZ’s Home Form: The Alkmaar outfit are unbeaten in their last seven European home games (W5, D2), scoring 14 goals in that run.
Spurs’ Away Struggles: Tottenham have won just one of their last five European away matches (D1, L3), including that loss to AZ.
Scoring Trends: AZ have netted in all eight Europa League games this season, while Spurs have scored 17 goals in the competition—third-highest among Round of 16 teams.
Milestone Watch: James Maddison could hit 10 goal involvements in Europe for Spurs with a goal or assist—he’s currently on nine (4 goals, 5 assists).
Players to Watch: The Game-Changers
Ernest Poku (AZ): The 21-year-old winger has three goals and two assists in the Europa League—his directness could exploit Spurs’ full-backs.
James Maddison (Spurs): With Bentancur out, Maddison’s vision and set-piece magic (4 assists this season) will be crucial to unlock AZ’s defense.
Mexx Meerdink (AZ): The teenage striker has two Europa League goals off the bench—could he be AZ’s supersub again?
Mexx Meerdink (AZ): The teenage striker has two Europa League goals off the bench—could he be AZ’s supersub again?
Kickoff Details: When and Where to Watch
Date: Thursday, March 6, 2025
Time: 6:45 PM CET (5:45 PM GMT, 12:45 PM EST)
Venue: AFAS Stadion, Alkmaar, Netherlands
Broadcast: UK fans can watch on TNT Sports or stream via Discovery+. In the USA, it’s on Paramount+ and CBS Sports Network (Fubo streams live too). Indian viewers can tune into Sony Sports Network or Sony LIV. Check local listings for other regions!
Predictions: What’s Going to Happen?
This AZ vs Spurs tie is a coin toss! AZ’s home record and that October win give them confidence, but Spurs’ firepower and returning stars could swing it. Here’s our breakdown:
AZ’s Edge: Their unbeaten home run and knack for scoring suggest they’ll find the net—Poku could be the key.
Spurs’ Threat: Maddison and Johnson on the break, plus Solanke’s potential return, mean Tottenham won’t go quietly.
Score Prediction: AZ 1-2 Spurs. A draw feels right—AZ strike first, Spurs equalize late, keeping the tie wide open for the second leg at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Both teams to score is a solid bet!
What’s your take? Can AZ repeat their upset, or will Spurs take charge? Hit the comments with your predictions—we love the debate!
Why This Match Matters
AZ vs Spurs isn’t just a Round of 16 tie—it’s a clash of ambition. AZ are chasing their first European quarter-final since 2019, while Spurs see the Europa League as their best shot at silverware since 2008. With fans buzzing on X about Romero’s return and AZ’s home form, the stakes are sky-high. Will the Dutch underdogs stun again, or can Postecoglou’s men rise to the occasion? Share this preview, jump on social with our hashtags, and let’s see who comes out on top in Alkmaar!